Split core circuit module
Flexible circuitry is populated with integrated circuitry (ICs) disposed along one or both major sides. Contacts distributed along the flexible circuitry provide connection between the module and an application environment. A rigid substrate configured with wings diverging from a central axis to create, preferably, a ‘V’-shaped structure provide supportive structure for the populated flex circuitry that is wrapped about an edge of the substrate.
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This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/364,489, filed Feb. 27, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,289,327 and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/283,355, filed Nov. 18, 2005, and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/255,061, filed Oct. 19, 2005, and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/934,027 filed Sep. 3, 2004. These four U.S. patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates to systems and methods for creating high density circuit modules and, in particular, to systems and methods for creating such modules that provide high capacity with thermal management features.
BACKGROUNDMemory expansion is one of the many fields where high density circuit module solutions provide space-saving advantages. For example, the well-known DIMM (Dual In-line Memory Module) has been used for years, in various forms, to provide memory expansion. A typical DIMM includes a conventional PCB (printed circuit board) with memory devices and supporting digital logic devices mounted on both sides. The DIMM is typically mounted in the host computer system by inserting a contact-bearing edge of the DIMM into a card edge connector. Typically, conventional DIMM-based solutions have typically provided only a moderate amount of memory expansion.
As bus speeds have increased, fewer devices per channel can bc reliably addressed with a DIMM-based solution. For example, 288 ICs or devices per channel may be addressed using the SDRAM-100 bus protocol with an unbuffered DLMM. Using the DDR-200 bus protocol, approximately 144 devices may be addressed per channel. With the DDR2-400 bus protocol, only 72 devices per channel may be addressed. This constraint has led to the development of the .fully-buffered DIMM (FB-DIMM) with buffered Command Address (C/A) and data in which 288 devices per channel may be addressed. That buffering function is provided by what is typically identified as the Advanced Memory Buffer or AMB. With the FB-DIMM, not only has capacity increased, pin count has declined to approximately 69 signal pins from the approximately 240 pins previously required.
The FB-DIMM circuit solution is expected to offer practical motherboard memory capacities of up to about 192 gigabytes with six channels and eight DIMMs per channel and two ranks per DIMM using one gigabyte DRAMs. This solution should also be adaptable to next generation technologies and should exhibit significant downward compatibility. The FB-DIMM solution does, however, generate significant thermal energy, particularly about the AMB.
There are several known methods to improve the limited capacity of a DIMM or other circuit board. In one strategy, for example, small circuit boards (daughter cards) are connected to the DIMM to provide extra mounting space.
In another strategy, multiple die package (MDP) can also be used to increase DIMM capacity. This scheme increases the capacity of the memory devices on the DIMM by including multiple semiconductor die in a single device package. The additional heat generated by the multiple die typically requires, however, additional cooling capabilities to operate at maximum operating speed. Further, the MDP scheme may exhibit increased costs because of increased yield loss from packaging together multiple die that are not fully pre-tested.
Stacked packages are yet another way to increase module capacity. Capacity is increased by stacking packaged integrated circuits to create a high-density circuit module for mounting on the larger circuit board. In some techniques, flexible conductors are used to selectively interconnect packaged integrated circuits. Staktek Group L.P., the assignee of the present application, has developed numerous systems for aggregating CSP (chipscale packaged) devices in space saving topologies. The increased component height of some stacking techniques may, however, alter system requirements such as, for example, required cooling airflow or the minimum spacing around a circuit board on its host system.
Typically, the known methods for improved memory module performance or enlarged capacity raise thermal management issues. For example, when a conventional packaged DRAM is mounted on a DIMM, the primary thermal path is through the balls of the package into the core of what is typically an epoxy based FR4 board that has less than desirable thermal characteristics. In particular, when an advanced memory buffer (AMB) is employed in an FM-DIMM, a significant amount of heat is generated. Consequently, the already marginal thermal shedding attributes of DIMM circuit modules is exacerbated in a typical FB-DIMM by the localized generation of heat by the AMB.
Memory DIMMs, both buffered and unbuffered, are often employed on motherboards mounted in server racks with limited space. Large capacity memory devices often have dimensions that create addition height issues (in the longitudinal direction away from the mounting socket).
What is needed, therefore, are methods and structures for providing high capacity circuit boards in thermally-efficient, reliable designs, that provide in some modes, the opportunity for concomitant reduction in module height.
SUMMARYFlexible circuitry is populated with integrated circuitry (ICs) disposed along one or both major sides. Contacts distributed along the flexible circuitry provide connection between the module and an application environment. A rigid substrate configured with wings diverging from a central axis to create, preferably, a ‘V’-shaped structure provide supportive structure for the populated flex circuitry that is wrapped about an edge of the substrate.
In some embodiments, the wings are configured to include one or more extra heat dissipating surfaces while others may include added heat dissipating structures alone one or more external sides of the module. In some embodiments, the upper surfaces of ICs populated along a surface of the flex circuitry are in thermal contact with the wings of the substrate while, if present, ICs disposed along the other side of the flex circuitry exhibit upper surfaces disposed away from the ‘V’-shaped structure. Thermally conductive rigid side pieces may be attached to the rigid substrate and/or disposed in thermal contact with top surfaces of such oppositely-disposed ICs.
Some embodiments are server systems that include multiple circuit modules. Air channels may be formed between such multiple circuit modules to direct cooling air flow and such channels may be formed by single or multiple rows of modules.
Together the various traces and vias make interconnections needed to convey data and control signals amongst the various ICs and buffer circuits. Those of skill will understand that the present invention may be implemented with only a single row of module contacts 20 and may, in other embodiments, be implemented as a module bearing ICs on only one side of flex circuit 12.
Consequently, side 9 of flex circuit 12 is shown as being populated with multiple CSPs 18 and AMB circuit 19. Other embodiments may not be FB-DIMMS and may therefore have no AMB circuit 19. Side 9 includes fields F1 and F2 that each include at least one mounting contact array site for CSPs and, in the depicted case, include multiple contact arrays. Each of fields F1 and F2 include, in the depicted preferred embodiment, two pluralities of ICs similar to those identified in earlier
In general, substrate 14 is formed in the shape of a ‘Y,’ with a central portion 14C that branches into two wings 14A and 14B that deviate away from the centerline of portion 14C in the shape of a ‘V.’ Other embodiments may have wings that diverge at other angles than that depicted and, in some cases, the wings may not form a V but a “U”. In some embodiments, the ‘Y’ shape of the substrate 14 may permit larger ICs 18 to be used while still meeting space specifications devised for traditional DIMMs. In some embodiments, substrate 14 may be made in whole or part of metal (e.g., copper, aluminum, iron, metal alloys) or other thermally conductive material, thereby conducting heat away from the ICs 18 to provide a cooling effect. Other constructions may be employed for substrate 14 such as, for example, a ‘Y’ outer profile and a solid or honeycombed interior, or a ‘U’ shaped interior channel, or rectangular channel 13.
In some embodiments, the ‘Y’ shape of substrate 14 may provide for comparatively greater surface area than is provided by a traditional DIMM. Preferably, convective surface area is greatly increased, on the order of 500%. Further, the depicted design provides convection cooling properties to the inner depicted sets of ICs 18 populated along inner side 9 of flex circuitry 12, by being so disposed to have an individual heat conduction path through wings 14A and 14B to the depicted ‘V’ channel 13 convective cooling area. The ‘V’ channel 13 in the depicted embodiment allows air to flow into the center of the V core module 100 to provide a temperature regulating effect.
An optional extensions 14R are shown extending from wings 14A and 14B. In some embodiments, extensions 14R may increase the surface area of the V core module 100 that may be used for temperature regulation. In some embodiments, extensions 14R may provide a surface against which an insertion force may be applied.
V core module 100 includes optional members 50A and 50B. Members 50A-50B are mounted to V core module 100 by a mount 55A and a mount 55B, which may be constructed as clips, clamps, or other joining structures. Some embodiments may not include mounts but instead employ thermally conductive adhesive, pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), metal bonds, or other suitable attachment schemes. In some embodiments, members 50A and 50B may be made of metal or other thermally conductive material, and/or include features that may provide additional surface area for regulating the temperature of V core module 100. For example, members 50A and 50B may include fins that increase the surface area of members 50A and 50B that may be used for thermal management. Members 50A and 50B may be constructed of the same or different material from the remainder of substrate 14. They may be copper, for example, while the main body of substrate 14 may be comprised of aluminum, to name just one example. Another example could be a plastic bodied substrate 14 and a copper-based members 50A and 50B. In some embodiments, mounts 55 may be made of metal or other thermally conductive material. Preferably mount 55 may provide a path that encourages the heat energy flow between substrate 14 and sides members 50A and 50B.
Inner ICs 18I preferably have their top surfaces 22 in thermal connection to respective wings 14A and 14B of substrate 14, while the top surfaces 22 of outer (or external) ICs 18E are preferably in thermal communication with members 50A and 50B. Such thermal connection may be enhanced by thermally conductive adhesive or thermal grease, for example.
Those of skill in the art will recognize, after appreciating this disclosure, that substrate 14 may be comprised of more than one piece, but still exhibit the principles disclosed herein. The depicted embodiments dispose the populated area of flex circuit 12 on an outer surface of wings 14A and 14B, leaving all or a substantial area of ‘V’ channel 13 available for thermal management structures, such as fins or other temperature regulating features.
In some embodiments, the thin construction of flex circuit 12 may allow flex circuit 12 to conform to the shape of substrate 14. Further, thin flex circuit 12 construction provides a low flex circuit thermal impedance to allow the transfer of thermal energy through flex circuit 12. Those of skill will also recognize that a variety of construction methods may be employed to maintain mechanical integrity of module 100. Preferably, thermally conductive bonds such as metal bonding or thermally conductive epoxy secure flex circuit 12 in place.
The ICs 18 depicted along flexible circuit 12 are shown as chip-scale packaged memory devices of small scale. For purposes of this disclosure, the term chip-scale or “CSP” shall refer to integrated circuitry of any function with an array package providing connection to one or more die through contacts (often embodied as “bumps” or “balls” for example) distributed across a major surface of the package or die. CSP does not refer to leaded devices that provide connection to an integrated circuit within the package through leads emergent from at least one side of the periphery of the package such as, for example, a Thin Small Outline Package (TSOP).
Various embodiments may employ leaded or CSP devices or other devices in both packaged and unpackaged forms but where the term CSP is used, the above definition for CSP should be adopted. Consequently, although CSP excludes leaded devices, references to CSP are to be broadly construed to include the large variety of array devices (and not to be limited to memory only) and whether die-sized or other size such as BGA and micro BGA as well as flip-chip. As those of skill will understand after appreciating this disclosure, some embodiments of the present invention may be devised to employ stacks of ICs each disposed where an IC 18 is indicated. Multiple integrated circuit die may be included in a package depicted as a single IC 18.
While in this embodiment, memory ICs are used to provide a memory expansion board or module, and various embodiments may include a variety of integrated circuits and other components. Such variety may include microprocessors, FPGAs, RF transceiver circuitry, digital logic, as a list of non-limiting examples, or other circuits or systems that may benefit from a high-density circuit board or module capacity. In some embodiments, V core module 100 may be a memory device, but the principles of the invention may be employed with a variety of devices such as, for example, a microprocessor or graphics processor employed in a circuit module while other embodiments will consist essentially of memory ICs only. In some embodiments, the ‘V’ channel 13 may provide a mounting area where additional features may be attached or inserted, examples of which being later shown here.
For example, as shown in
Arrangement 900 includes a substrate 910. In some embodiments, substrate 910 may be a printed circuit board (e.g., a computer motherboard or other computer system, which may include a memory controller and/or microprocessor using the memory, for example, as server memory.). A number of V core modules 100 are mounted to substrate 910 by a number of mounts 920. In some embodiments, the mounts 920 may be connectors that provide support for V core modules 100 and/or provide conductive pathways between V core modules 100 and substrate 910. The mounts 920 are arranged on substrate 910 so V core modules 100 are mounted substantially parallel to each other, and spaced apart such that one, or a number of a cooling channel 930 is formed. For example, two V core modules 100 may be mounted next to each other so the upper right arm of the first V core module 100 is in close proximity to the upper left arm of the second V core module 100, and channel 930 may be formed under the adjacent arms through which air may flow. Air, or other fluid, may thereby be directed through channels 930 to provide thermal management for the V core modules 100. The arrows depicted in
Flex circuitry 12 is preferably made from one or more conductive layers supported by one or more flexible substrate layers. As those of skill will recognize, flexible circuit 12 may be comprised of more than one individual flex circuit although there are substantial construction advantages to having a unitary flex circuitry along which are mounted the ICs. The construction of flex circuitry is known in the art.
Although the present invention has been described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many embodiments taking a variety of specific forms and reflecting changes, substitutions and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the described embodiments illustrate but do not restrict the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A circuit module comprising:
- a rigid substrate having a central leg portion with an edge and first and second wings, the wings diverging from each other and the central leg portion extending therfrom to form a ‘Y’-shaped structure; and
- a flex circuit having first and second sides, the first side of the flex circuit having plural contacts adapted for connection to a circuit board socket and one of the first and second sides of the flex circuit being populated with plural memory CSPs, the flex circuit being disposed about the edge of the rigid substrate to place the first CSP-bearing portion alongside at least one of the wings of the substrate and contacts of the plural contacts being adjacent to both sides of the central leg portion of the rigid substrate.
2. The circuit module of claim 1 in which the flex circuit is populated with CSPs along its first and second sides.
3. The circuit module of claim 1 in which the rigid substrate is comprised of thermally conductive material.
4. The circuit module of claim 1 in which the rigid substrate is comprised of aluminum.
5. The circuit module of claim 1 in which the rigid substrate is comprised of copper.
6. The circuit module of claim 1 in which the rigid substrate is comprised of non-metallic material that is thermally-conductive.
7. The circuit module of claim 1 further comprising a first heat radiating portion in thermal connection with the first wing of the substrate.
8. The circuit module of claim 1 further comprising thermal members disposed along outer sides of the circuit module.
9. The circuit module of claim 1 further comprising a cooling component disposed in a channel formed by the first and second wings of the substrate.
10. The circuit module of claim 9 in which the cooling component includes at least one cooling fluid conduit.
11. A circuit module comprising:
- A rigid substrate having a central leg portion with an edge and first and second wings, the wings diverging from each other, and the central portion extends therefrom to form ‘Y’-shaped structure; and
- a flex circuit having plural edge connector contacts and first and second sides populated with chip scale packaged ICs, the flex circuit being disposed about the rigid substrate to place areas of the first and second sides that bear the chip scale packaged ICs along the first and second wings of the rigid substrate.
12. The circuit module of claim 11 in which the flex circuit is populated with at least one advanced memory buffer.
13. The circuit module of claim 11 in which the rigid substrate is comprised of thermally-conductive material.
14. The circuit module of claim 11 further comprising a first heat radiating member in contact with top surfaces of at least some of the chip scale packaged ICs populating the flex circuit.
15. The circuit module of claim 14 further comprising a second heat radiating portion in contact with top surfaces of at least some others of the chip scale packaged ICs populating the flex circuit.
16. The circuit module of claim 14 further comprising a first mount piece securing the first heat radiating member in relation to the substrate.
17. The circuit module of claim 14 further comprising a cooling component mounted in a channel formed by the first and second wing portions of the substrate.
18. The circuit module of claim 14 in which the cooling component includes at least one cooling fluid conduit.
19. The circuit module of claim 14 in which the rigid substrate is comprised of metallic thermally-conductive material.
20. The circuit module of claim 14 in which the cooling component exhibits fins.
21. A circuit module comprising:
- a rigid substrate having a central portion with an edge and first and second wings which diverge from each other, and the central portion extends therefrom and a flex circuit having plural edge connector contact, the flex circuit being disposed edge of the about the rigid substrate and having first and second device-bearing portions with plural memory devices mounted thereto, the first device bearing portions arranged alongside the first wing of the substrate such that the plural devices mounted thereto present top surfaces disposed away from the rigid substrate, the second device bearing portion being disposed alongside the second wing of the substrate.
22. The circuit module of claim 21 further comprising a cooling component mounted in a channel formed by the first and second wings of the substrate.
23. The circuit module of claim 22 in which the cooling component includes at least one cooling fluid conduit.
24. The circuit module of claim 22 further comprising a first heat radiating member. in contact with top surfaces of the plural memory devices.
25. The circuit module of claim 24 further comprising a first mount piece securing the first heat radiating member in relation to the substrate.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Jul 13, 2007
Date of Patent: Apr 21, 2009
Patent Publication Number: 20070258217
Assignee: Entorian Technologies, LP (Austin, TX)
Inventors: David L. Roper (Austin, TX), Douglas Wehrly, Jr. (Austin, TX), Mark Wolfe (Austin, TX)
Primary Examiner: Jayprakash N Gandhi
Assistant Examiner: Courtney Smith
Attorney: Fish & Richardson P.C.
Application Number: 11/777,925
International Classification: H05K 7/20 (20060101);